SAS celebrates Yuletide this week: have you been naughty or nice?

Noble Lords and Ladies: The King commands your presence at the Traditional Medieval Festival…

Yuletide is a festival observed by the historical Germanic peoples, which later experienced a Christian transformation and became better known as the Christmastide. This holiday consists of children-friendly games, Christmas-related Renaissance songs, food and drinks.

YuleFest is held at SAS every other year. This year’s performances are this Thursday and Friday – Dec. 3 and 4.

“We are all so excited to perform for everybody. It is a show that encompasses not only the spirit of Christmas, but also the medieval atmosphere and beautiful choral music,” said junior Charis Hales, a member of Chanterie Choir.

Singers practicing for the festival. Photo by Jinny Choi

The Yule Festival is a script-based and rehearsed festival that consists of the royal family, peasants, witches, doctors, jesters and various other characters. It focuses on the two oldest senior members of the Honor’s Choir: King Sean Yoo and Queen Frances Van Vuuren.

The festival is based on a ‘naughty’ king (Sean Yoo), who is despised by all. He does not realize that his arrogant and big-headed attitude drives people away. Even the queen believes he is conceited and that he does not deserve to be king.

He becomes fully aware of the fact that he is truly in danger of being dethroned when he almost gets murdered by the assassin who has wanted revenge for a long time. The rest of the choir members of Chorale, Chanterie and SAS Singers all have individual stories that will unfold and be told along with the main plot of the festival.

“Medieval music is such an important part of choral music that not many people know about. I think it will not only be fun, but also a great learning experience as well,” said junior Jocelyn Afandi, a member of Chanterie.

“It’s a fun time!” member of Chanterie, Anna Kitamura, a junior, added.

The Thursday show is more suitable for kids, and there will be games and events that children will be able to participate in, such as ‘Ring around the Rosie’ and many others.

Theater coordinator Paula Silverman and many parent volunteers helped dress the peasants, witches, doctors and everyone else at court in costumes of the Renaissance era. While the regular citizens have fairly simple costumes, the Royal family – members of the SAS Singers – will wear more elegant and vivacious gowns and cloaks. The assassin will be harder to find – she/he will be hidden under a cloak, so remember to look closely!

Tickets will be sold in the Booster Booth starting on Nov. 18 and will cost $10 for high school students, adults and children on Friday. Children under the age of 10 will only need to pay $5 for the Thursday show. Hear ye, hear ye, come one, come all!